Experience the power of nature in its entire splendor at the most active volcano in Costa Rica. After passing through the incomparably scenic farming region of San Carlos, arrive at the base of the nearly perfect conical Arenal Volcano - currently one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Thrill to the sensation of the earth shaking. beneath your feet with each new blast produced by this spectacular majestic volcano. After dark is the best time for viewing the Arenal Volcano when the advancing lava flow glows a burning red.
Undisputedly one of Costa Rica 's foremost tourist attractions, the highly eruptive Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of this new national park declared in October of 1994. In addition to including in the national park system what is currently one of the world's most active volcanoes, the area now under park service protection encompasses the watersheds of several rivers and streams that flow into Lake Arenal , the country's most important source of hydroelectric power.
The imposing Arenal Volcano rises in nearly perfect conical form out of the western end of the San Carlos plains. Its periodic eruptions of ash and molten rock, accompanied by thundering sonic blasts, are an unforgettable experience anytime, but become extremely spectacular after dark. When the light of day has dimmed, the glowing red igneous rocks ejected with each eruption trace fiery arches in the night sky before crashing down on the steep slopes and finally extinguishing themselves.
Columns of lava also push their way down the sides of the volcano and pieces of the advancing sections continually break off under the weight of new flows bearing down from above. At night, these falling pieces are visible as chunks of rolling red rocks, adding to the natural fireworks display between the frequent eruptions.
From the 600-meter elevation where visitors are allowed to approach atop a lava flow from the 1968 eruption, Arenal rises another 1000 meters to its 1,633-meter summit, and although the peak is still 3 kilometers away, it is definitely "in your face!"
The tour takes you to the Tabacon Resort, a first-class hot springs resort fed by volcano-heated mineral waters, and the Arenal Volcano itself, where you may get to see the near-perfect cone ejecting incandescent rocks high up into the air and listen to underground rumblings. A truly unforgettable experience.
Departures Around 10:30 am. Pick up times vary depending on the hotel location.
Duration 12 hours
Frequency Daily
Recommended bathing suit, camera, comfortable shoes, binoculars, light jacket and insect repellent.
Includes: transportation, tour guide, entrance fee to the volcano and lunch.

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